Strong Indian Womens Team Announced for Commonwealth Wrestling Championship
The Indian womens wrestling team, led by Kajal and Neelam, is set for the Commonwealth Championship in South Africa from December 4-6.
New Delhi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian women’s wrestling team is gearing up for the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship, set to take place in Polokwane, South Africa, from December 4 to 6. This formidable squad features medalists from the World Championships, including Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi, along with Amrita Pujari, a silver medalist at the World Under-23 Championships. The team was finalized following selection trials held on Friday.
Neelam, who clinched a silver medal at the World Championship in Astana, triumphed over Maharashtra’s Neha Chougule in the 50-kilogram final. Kajal also showcased her talent, winning the 76-kilogram final against Vedika from Maharashtra with a dominating score of 10-0.
Amrita secured her place in the team by defeating Bipasha from RSPB in the 72-kilogram category. She earned a silver medal at the ongoing Under-23 World Wrestling Championship in Las Vegas.
In her final match, Amrita faced tough competition from Ukraine’s Irina Zablotska, losing 0-6 despite a strong start in earlier rounds. Kajal, making her senior World Championship debut after being a two-time Under-20 World Champion, put up a valiant fight against Anastasia Alpiyeva from Ukraine but ultimately lost 6-8, earning the silver medal.
Neelam faced a challenging opponent in Japan’s four-time World Champion, Yui Susaki, in the 50-kilogram final. After falling behind 0-5, she lost the match via fall. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian wrestling, as it is the first time two Indian women have reached the finals in the same edition of the World Championship. Their accomplishments build on Anshu Malik’s historic feat of being the first Indian woman to reach the World Championship finals in 2021.
Kajal demonstrated remarkable tenacity during her semifinal, coming back from a 1-7 deficit to win against Kyrgyzstan’s Aiperi Medet Kyzy with a score of 10-7. Neelam also displayed composure throughout the tournament, securing her final spot by defeating Kazakhstan’s Zhenep Bayanova 7-3.
The Commonwealth Wrestling Championship will also feature Under-17 and Under-20 competitions, with trials conducted concurrently.
The women’s wrestling team includes:
Senior: Neelam Sirohi (50 kg), Nishu (53 kg), Ahilya Shinde (55 kg), Simran (57 kg), Neha Sangwan (59 kg), Pushpa Yadav (62 kg), Janhvi (65 kg), Srishti (68 kg), Amrita Pujari (72 kg), Kajal Dhochak (76 kg).
Under-17: Tania (46 kg), Rupankshi (53 kg), Maisha (57 kg), Manya Rajput (61 kg).
Under-20: Kajal (55 kg), Deepika Nain (65 kg), Vishakha (72 kg), Muskaan Narwal (76 kg).
